Best Domestic Violence Lawyers in Arta

About Domestic Violence Law in Arta, Greece

Domestic violence in Arta is addressed under Greek national law and handled locally by the Police Directorate of Arta, the Public Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance of Arta, and nearby health and social services. Greek law recognizes domestic violence as a serious criminal and civil matter that includes physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse within the family or intimate relationships. Incidents are prosecuted by the state even if the victim does not file a private complaint, and urgent protective measures are available. Victims can seek medical care at the General Hospital of Arta and can access support through national helplines and gender equality services. If you are in immediate danger, call 100 or 112.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A domestic violence lawyer can help you understand your rights, secure immediate protection, and navigate both the criminal and civil procedures in Arta. Common situations where legal help is important include seeking a restraining order or emergency barring order, removing the abuser from the home, filing or responding to criminal charges, arranging temporary custody and visitation for children, initiating divorce or separation, negotiating child support and financial maintenance, documenting injuries and gathering evidence, applying for legal aid if you have low income, coordinating with social services and shelters, and addressing immigration or residence permit issues related to separation caused by violence. An experienced lawyer can also prepare you for court, ensure your statements are recorded accurately, and help you stay safe while your case is pending.

Local Laws Overview

Greek Law 3500-2006 on domestic violence, as updated and read together with the Criminal Code and Greece’s ratification of the Istanbul Convention, sets out the framework used in Arta. Key points include that domestic violence covers physical injury, threats, coercion, sexual violence, persistent psychological abuse, and economic control within the family or intimate relationship. Corporal punishment of children is prohibited. Violence against a partner, spouse, former spouse, cohabiting or former cohabiting partner, and other household members can fall under the law.

Domestic violence offenses are prosecuted ex officio. This means police and prosecutors can proceed without a private complaint once they are informed. If an incident is recent and the perpetrator is found in the act, immediate arrest and expedited procedures may apply. The Public Prosecutor can request restrictive measures and the court can impose protective orders such as removal from the family home, a ban on contact, a prohibition on approaching the victim’s residence or workplace, and other distance and communication restrictions. Violating a protective order is a criminal offense.

Victims can apply to the civil court in Arta for interim measures to obtain urgent protection and temporary arrangements for child custody, communication schedules, and financial support. Courts can issue temporary orders quickly when there is urgency. Evidence can include medical reports, photographs, messages, witness statements, call logs, and police reports. Mediation is not appropriate in domestic violence cases and is generally not used under Greek law in this context.

Victims and eligible low income individuals may qualify for state funded legal aid in civil and criminal proceedings. Interpreting services are available in criminal proceedings, and victims have the right to be informed, to participate, and to receive protection tailored to their needs. Special procedures exist for the protection of children, including urgent prosecutorial orders to ensure their safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as domestic violence under Greek law

Domestic violence includes physical assaults, threats and intimidation, sexual violence, controlling or isolating behavior, persistent verbal or psychological abuse, and economic abuse when it occurs within the family or intimate relationship. It covers spouses, partners, former partners, cohabitants, parents, children, and other household members.

What should I do in an emergency in Arta

If you are in danger, call the police at 100 or the European emergency number 112. Seek medical help from the General Hospital of Arta or call the ambulance service at 166 if you are injured. When safe, tell the police exactly what happened, ask them to record any visible injuries, and request information about protective measures.

Do I have to file a complaint for the state to act

No. Domestic violence is prosecuted ex officio. Police and prosecutors can proceed once they are informed or witness an incident. Your statement is still very important, and a lawyer can help you give it safely and accurately.

How quickly can I get a protection order

In urgent cases, the civil court in Arta can issue a temporary order on short notice based on an application for interim measures, sometimes without notifying the other side initially. Criminal courts can also impose restrictive conditions. A lawyer can help you prepare the application and supporting evidence so it can be reviewed quickly.

Can the abuser be removed from the home

Yes. Prosecutors and courts can order the removal of the perpetrator from the family home and prohibit contact and approach. Police can enforce court orders. Breaching such an order can lead to arrest and additional charges.

What if children are involved

The court can make temporary custody, visitation, and child support arrangements to protect children. Professionals who suspect child abuse have a duty to report. You can also contact child protection services, and the prosecutor can issue urgent measures to secure the child’s safety.

Will my privacy be protected

Victim data is protected by law. You can ask the police and court to keep your address and contact details confidential. Hearings may include protective measures to reduce contact with the accused. Support services also maintain confidentiality.

Can I get free legal aid

Yes, if you meet income and case criteria under Greece’s legal aid system. You can apply through the Court of First Instance of Arta. A lawyer can help you submit the application and required documents such as income proofs and a description of your case.

What evidence should I collect

Medical reports and photos of injuries, messages and emails showing threats or abuse, call logs, witness statements, and police incident numbers are useful. Go to a doctor or the hospital as soon as possible so injuries are documented. Store copies safely, including digital backups.

What if I am not a Greek citizen

You still have the same protection. Ask for an interpreter at the police or court. If your residence status depends on your spouse or partner, Greek law provides options to retain or adjust your permit when the relationship ends due to domestic violence. Seek advice from a lawyer experienced in immigration and family law.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Police - call 100 for emergencies. European emergency number 112. National Ambulance Service - call 166. General Hospital of Arta - medical care and injury documentation. Public Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance of Arta - urgent protection for victims and children. Court of First Instance of Arta - civil interim measures and protective orders. Bar Association of Arta - referrals to local lawyers.

General Secretariat for Demography and Family Policy and Gender Equality - SOS Helpline 15900 for counseling, safety planning, and referral to shelters and counseling centers. National Center for Social Solidarity EKKA - Helpline 197 for social support, shelter referral, and crisis intervention. National Helpline for Children 1056 operated by The Smile of the Child. Municipal Social Services of the Municipality of Arta - local welfare and psychosocial support. NGOs active in Epirus and nationwide, such as KETHI, ARSIS, PRAKSIS, and SolidarityNow, may provide counseling, legal information, and social support.

Next Steps

Prioritize safety. If you face immediate danger, call 100 or 112, get to a safe place, and seek medical help if needed. When you can, document what happened by saving messages, taking photos, and getting a medical report. Keep copies in a safe location.

Contact a lawyer in Arta who handles domestic violence cases. Ask about urgent protective measures, criminal reporting, and interim civil orders for your home, finances, and children. If cost is a concern, ask about eligibility for legal aid and how to apply at the Court of First Instance of Arta.

Reach out to support services. Call SOS 15900 or EKKA 197 for counseling, safety planning, and referrals to shelters and local services. Inform trusted people who can help with safe transport, childcare, or accommodation.

Prepare for your appointments. Bring identification, any court or police papers, medical reports, photos, and a timeline of incidents. If you need an interpreter, request one in advance from the police, court, or your lawyer.

Follow through with legal and protective steps. Attend hearings, comply with court instructions, and update your lawyer and the police if the perpetrator violates any order. Continue accessing support services for counseling, housing, and employment assistance as you stabilize your situation.

You are not alone. There are coordinated public, legal, health, and social services in Arta and across Greece that can help you stay safe and assert your rights.